Disclaimer: I do not own Babylon 5 or its characters, those belong to Warner Brothers. I do not own Robotech or its characters, those belong to Harmony Gold. I do not own Macross or its characters, those belong to Big West and Studio Nue.

Chapter 8

Minbari Federation Space

Aboard the Velen'Tha

The Grey Council had gathered after receiving word that something had gone horribly wrong with one of the war fleets that was purging the galaxy of the human race. The meeting was hurriedly called for and the members rushed to their meeting area aboard the modified Shargoti class warship. The ritual opening was conducted and Satai Coplann stepped forward and began the meeting.

Satai Coplann of the Warrior Caste began, "As you have heard, something terrible has happened to one of our war fleets. Information about what has happened is still coming in but I have summoned War Leader Brammer so that he may inform us of what it is that he has learned." Coplann gestured to the Minbari War Leader and bade him enter. "War Leader Brammer, please inform us what has happened."

The Minbari War Leader stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. "Honored Satais, I am saddened to bring horrible news. The war fleet that was to attack and purge the humans from the colony of Deneb has been lost."

Everyone was stunned into silence. Expressions of shock were on all the Grey Council member's faces. An entire war fleet lost?! The humans defeated them?! Impossible! It could not be true! It was Satai Morann who found his voice first, "The humans defeated us? Impossible!"

Other Minbari began to murmur and whisper among themselves before Coplann brought his ceremonial weapon down to strike the floor for quiet. "Silence." Once the room quieted down Coplann asked, "Is this true? The humans destroyed an entire war fleet?"

Bowing again in respect, Brammer replied, "The losses were catastrophic. The war fleet en route to Deneb has suffered greatly, only three warships have returned, one Sharlin War Cruiser and two Tinashi War Frigates that were heavily damaged, the surviving crews suffered many injuries and warrior deaths."

Satai Delenn blurted out, "How!? How did this happen!?"

Satai Coplann looked at Delenn and gave her a small rebuke for speaking out of turn and Delenn apologized for her outburst.

Coplann said, "What have you learned from the survivors? Do the humans have a new weapon?"

Brammer replied, "No Honored Satai, the humans used trickery. As the war fleet was approaching Deneb through hyperspace, they had to travel the narrow route that is dangerously close to a singularity that is more prominent in hyperspace. With the beacon network, it is a path that is safely navigated. However, the humans turned off the beacon network for Deneb."

Everyone looked in shock as Brammer continued to speak. "They timed the shut down perfectly and before the Shai Alyt responsible for the assault could realize that anything was wrong, much of the fleet had wandered into the gravitational pull of the singularity and they were thus grabbed and pulled into the singularity itself."

Exclamations of "Cowards!", "Honorless scum!", "Animals!" along with other epithets were uttered and everyone in the Grey Council was furious over such a dishonorable tactic and it took a couple of minutes for the Minbari to come under control.

Coplann looked to Brammer and said, "What does this mean for the war?"

Brammer was silent for a minute then he said, "Our losses in Deneb were quite severe. Three Shargoti's, forty nine Sharlins were lost, the one that returned will be needing repairs for months. Fifty two Tinashis were lost and the three that returned will also be needing months in the yard for repairs."

Morann asked, "What of the ships that are coming online? We can use these to start a new war fleet."

Brammer was quiet for a few seconds then he answered, "I have received a report from the elders of the Worker Caste that informed me that there is a problem with some of the ships and that there will be a delay."

Coplann asked, "Why?"

Brammer replied calmly, "When the ships were put into storage, they did not follow proper procedure with putting more than half of the Sharlins into storage and it was just discovered when one of the Sharlin war cruisers was activated for the first time. There were no fatalities but many workers were injured. A check on the Tinashis has discovered the same problem. I was informed that it will be at least a six to seven week delay."

Morann hissed, "Unacceptable! Inexcusable! Were it possible to find out which clan was responsible…." He left the sentence unfinished but it was clear that he wanted some form of punishment to fall on someone.

Satai Rathenn of the Religious Caste asked, "What does this mean for our war against the humans? So many ships and warriors lost!"

Everyone was looking at Brammer and after a few seconds of silence he brought out a small remote and pushed it. A hologram of what they knew of Earth's colonies and space was displayed. "The attack on Sestun is still on track to take place. This is our only war fleet available at this time with the loss of the war fleet that were to attack Deneb will slow our war progress. We can keep the one war fleet on its current progress but that will mean our progress along the other side will come to a halt unless we pull forces from our border with the Centauri and from those who are duty bound to protect those worlds within the Protectorate. Additionally, this will give the Workers time to solve the logistics problem that has arisen."

Coplann shook his head. "No, we cannot pull these forces from their current duties. The Centauri are looking at possible expansion while we are busy with the humans so they are needed to keep an eye on the Centauri. We cannot move any from the Protectorate as well. As for these logistic problems that have been brought up, we have spoken to the Elders of the Workers Caste and have assured them that the problems that these pirates have been causing will be handled."

Brammer nodded, "While dealing with the piracy situation is good but I meant the other logistics problem in making sure our Warriors have the necessary supplies. This war had brought out problems that have arisen. But if we are not going to move any forces from the Protectorate or our borders then we will have to rely on our current war fleet and push the workers to bring more warships back online quicker."

Satai Alnenn said, "We are pushing the workers as hard as possible, the delays on this group of warships will cause the next group to be delayed even further."

Satai Coplann declared, "With this setback, we cannot afford these delays. Perhaps we can split the war fleet that attacks Sestun in half so that we can continue to attack the humans along multiple paths."

Satai Morann said, "Right now I'm opposed to this, but I am willing to listen to ideas and options. We will need to discuss this further."

The meeting continued as the Grey Council members discussed what to do after suffering such a heavy loss. With the attack on the Sestun colony, they were assured of another easy victory that would still keep the crusade mostly as scheduled.

Earthdome

Geneva, Switzerland

President Levy's office

It was mid afternoon when President Levy's phone rang in her office. Her assistant had informed her of the incoming call and she quickly answered the video phone.

"Yes, General?", she answered.

General Lefcourt was on the other end of video call who was grinning like a cat that caught the canary calmly said, "Madam President, the Minbari tried to hit Deneb earlier today and General Fenral Miraleth was able to turn off the beacons at the exact perfect time. We're estimating they took between seventy five to ninety percent losses. This could be the break we've been hoping for."

President Levy let out an explosive breath of air as she cried out, "Oh, thank God! Finally some good news!"

General Lefcourt replied, "Yes, ma'am. We think they lost at least fifty warships, Intelligence thinks they lost maybe more. We didn't get a good readout of how many there were as they approached the colony but we know it was a large group of ships. Deneb is a big colony with a fleet base there so they were going to hit it pretty hard with a large attack force."

President Levy said, "I want that beacon shut down tactic implemented everywhere. I know it won't work for long, but anything that we can do to slow the Minbari advance, we need to do it. Do you think the Minbari will attack again soon?"

General Lefcourt responded, "I'll see to it at once ma'am. It's quite possible they may still hit us on the other cheek, Sestun is a possible target. We've had more success evacuating the colonists from Sestun compared to Deneb so that's some good news there. But after Sestun, they can hit three different colonies if they split their forces. They might stand down to rebuild their forces or they may just attack us on that side of our territories until they're able to attack on both fronts again. We'll have to wait and see."

Still expressing happiness over the good news President Levy commented, "I see. Well, according to the latest update from the State Department, Deputy Secretary of State Lurco should have arrived and delivered our message and plea for assistance from the League by now and is awaiting their response. Let's hope for some more good news."

Nodding his head in approval, General Lefcourt said, "I pray for good news all the time Madam President. I hope he succeeds. We did receive contact from the Donegal about their safe arrival at the League's meeting site and I expect another report right before they depart."

"Very good. Well, we all have work to do, carry on General."

"Yes Madam President."

The call disconnected and President Levy took a few minutes to express her happiness over this victory. She hoped and prayed that this would be the first of many victories to come once the Robotech Factory and the fleet of warships returned.

Pegasus Galaxy

The Robotech Factory

The shock over what Doctor Lang had just said was still going through the room.

"What did you say?", asked Captain Sheridan.

Doctor Lang said in a shaky voice, "According to the computer, there are no warships within the mothball yard sir."

"That can't be right!", exclaimed Captain Thar.

There were additional exclamations from Captain Richards and Captain Jiina. Chief Engineer Sevina was looking in shock. Then she moved next to Doctor Lang and talked quietly with him. Nodding his head, the Doctor's hands flew across the keyboard as he started doing another search.

At the same time Captain Sheridan said, "Everyone, everyone, calm down!"

Order quickly restored, everyone turned to look at Doctor Lang and Sevina working together. After about a minute both Doctor Lang and Sevina cried out in triumph. The scientist spun his chair around to look at Captain Sheridan and he said, "Chief Engineer Sevina and I found them sir. The ships have been moved to the Factory already."

"What?!", the four captains asked, with looks of shock and surprise on their faces.

"Yes sir, it looks like the ships were transferred over to the factory...uh...shortly after we had locked everything down." There was more tapping of keys and Doctor Lang added, "According to this log, Admiral Rick Hunter decided that the mothball yard was too much of a risk that someone could try to sneak in and steal a warship or possibly steal multiple warships. He ordered all the warships moved to be stored in bays twelve to twenty. Some other warships were moved to different bays like SDF-3 and the Macross Cannon in bay one. Also, I just found out why Bay four had all those Ikazuchi and Eisenhowers."

Captain Richards asked, "Why were they put there?"

Doctor Lang replied, "According to the log it says that the warships in Bay four were to be scrapped for new construction, some to make a Macross Cannon or two or perhaps another kind of capital ship class, some to make new mecha. They hadn't decided on what specifically to build but they were close to finalizing their decision. In the end, they weren't scrapped due to the decision to lock up everything and stop using Robotechnology and Protoculture."

John asked, "So what's the inventory look like?"

"Bringing it up now.", Doctor Lang said and was typing at the same time. Then Doctor Lang remarked, "Here we go. Bay twelve has two thousand Garfish Light Cruisers. Bay thirteen has two thousand Garfish Light Cruisers. Bay fourteen has five thousand Ikazuchi Class Cruisers, Bay fifteen has five thousand Ikazuchi Class Cruisers. Bay sixteen has five thousand Ikazuchi Class Cruisers, Bay seventeen...huh...there's three hundred fifty Shimikaze class Battlecruisers but there's a note from Admiral Hunter attached in large letters saying, "To the scrap pile and throw design away."

Doctor Lang chuckled a little then coughed and cleared his throat and continued, "Bay eighteen has three thousand Eisenhower class battleships. Bay nineteen has two thousand Eisenhower class, and Bay twenty has twenty five hundred Eisenhower class."

Captain Richards said, "Sir, that's over twenty six thousand warships right there, not counting what's in the other Bays. That alone is close to just over half of EarthForce's pre war fleet sir."

Doctor Lang was doing some more typing and he added, "Sir, according to this inventory roster here, there are more warships and new Veritechs and Destroids that were used at the end of the Haydonite war that we don't even have records of because they were used in just a couple of battles and there was little combat footage that survived back on Earth."

John was quick to ask, "What other types of ships are in the Factory."

Doctor Lang started typing again and said, "Alright, looks like there are a few other ships in Bays one, two and three. There are not many ships though and they are ship classes that I am not familiar with. "It appears that Bay one also has ten warships of a design called the Macross Quarter Class. Bay two has two dozen Northampton Stealth Space Frigates and two dozen Guantanamo Stealth Carriers."

Doctor Lang paused for a moment then he added, "Sir...there's...it seems that in Bay two they also built something called New Macross Class...there's twelve of them. Bay three has…Zentraedi warships, they've been redesigned to accommodate a human sized crew but there are two thousand Zentraedi ships there, four Nupetiet-Vergnitzs flagships, five hundred Thurvel-Salan Heavy Cruisers/Battleships, five hundred Gun Destroyers, and one thousand Queadol-Magdomilla Class Fleet Command Battleships sir."

Everyone whispered to each other the ramifications of such findings. Then Doctor Lang resumed, "Then there's storage bays just holding tens of thousands of mecha. There's Veritechs and Destroids such as Alphas and Betas but other designs as well such as a Veritechs like this VF-171 Nightmare with design variants and another called the VF-25 that's called the Messiah and other variants. Then there's the VF-2JA along with VF-2SS Veritechs aboard the Macross Cannon. Additionally there's Destroids...lots of Destroids of different models and designs"

Everyone was stunned to learn about this and just when they thought the surprises were over, Doctor Lang added, "The systems show ship design specs along with the specs for these mecha that have been built. We could build everything we see here. There's also designs in the systems that have not been built yet."

John was stunned, he was surprised that there was so much Robotechnology as far as ships and mecha already aboard. Then he said, "Thank you Doctor, can you make copies of the inventory and give them to my fellow Captains and I. I'll need to send a report to EarthForce HQ over what we've discovered."

Doctor Lang said, "Right away sir. Just give me a moment."

Copies were made and handed out to the four Captains that they could look at their own time. John would be contacting EarthForce HQ later in the day when it was time for the daily update. But with this inventory discovered, now John wanted to send the inventory list to EarthForce HQ then he would go with Doctor Lang to find out about the Protoculture Matrix that was located at another part of the massive complex.

John looked at his fellow Captains and said, "Why don't you all go see how our crews are doing in learning how to operate the warships. I expect we'll be making a return trip home sooner than expected. I need to have a few more words with Doctor Lang before he goes off to look at the Protoculture Matrix."

The three other Captains nodded and left the Factory Control Center and it was just Doctor Lang, Chief Engineer Sevina, and Captain Sheridan.

The Chief Engineer realized that she wasn't really needed at the moment so she gave her excuses that she was needed elsewhere and left the room as well.

Once John was sure they were alone, John called out, "You can come out now."

The holo emitters lit up and the hologram of Rick Hunter appeared.

With a rakish grin the hologram of Admiral Rick Hunter said, "You rang?"

John chuckled a little but caught himself. Then he asked, "Admiral, these new ship and mecha designs...this Macross Cannon, we don't have any records of these that survived so it's quite a surprise. Can you explain?"

The hologram of the former Admiral of the Robotech Expeditionary Force paced across in front of the two men and began, "The Haydonite war was a complete surprise as I'm sure the history books still say. They had been trusted allies in the Sentinels Alliance and after the surprise attack...war broke out. We were on the back foot for a good portion of the war thanks to their sabotage of the Shadow Technology along with the Synchro Cannon sabotage that took us a while to eliminate.

"We needed ships and mecha to fight back immediately, so I authorized the construction of the Macross Cannons and these Macross class designated warships. They held the line and in some cases pushed the Haydonites back until we had eliminated the sabotage that the Haydonites had unleashed."

Much of that construction is what we lost, the ships you see are a combination of our forces and those that belonged to our allies in the Sentinels Alliance."

Doctor Lang was still looking over the inventory that was stored aboard the Robotech Factory and made a surprising discovery that he felt had to be revealed at once. Clearing his throat, he said, "Captain Sheridan, I am informing you that the Factory has twelve Neutron-S missiles in one of the storage bays."

John stared at the Doctor. Then he looked at Rick Hunter and asked, "Are these the same as…" but he didn't finish as Rick answered him midway.

Rick answered, "They are the same, yes. Had the missiles hit Earth all those years ago, there would be no Earth. We can thank the Invid Regis for giving humanity a second chance but yes Captain, those missiles are not just planet killers, they're star killers capable of turning a planet or a star into a black hole. I should know, the damn Haydonites almost killed me when we tested the first one. I wish I had been able to contact the SDF-4 and warn them but we were out of touch for a while."

John asked, "Why weren't they destroyed Admiral?"

Rick answered, "If I'd destroyed them Captain Sheridan, then I wouldn't have had the opportunity to repay the Haydonites back by launching it into their sun."

John reached for his bottle of water and drank all of it as his throat became completely dry after the hologram's reply. Thinking back to the history he knew, it seemed that much of the final battle was heavily sanitized.

John, wanting clarification looked at the hologram and asked, "You ordered the launch of a Neutron-S missile against the Haydonites?"

Rick looked sternly at John and said, "They were trying to wipe us out Captain. They would not have stopped. I'm sure you've seen enough science fiction where robots and AIs rise against humanity, well I lived it. And I'm reminded of what I was told yesterday, that back on Earth, AI's like myself are no longer allowed. While I would never would nor could I rebel against my creators, the Haydonites were another story. They were led by their Awareness and The Awareness wanted not just humanity gone, it wanted Protoculture gone."

The holographic AI continued to pace across the room as he talked. "In that case, we couldn't bargain with it, we couldn't reason with it, and during the final battle we still were almost at a stalemate. We were losing lives, Captain. I was losing people that followed me through hell and back from fighting the Invid and winning only to see them die to the backstabbing Haydonites. Given the situation, I ordered the launch of the Neutron-S missile against their star and we folded out just in time. The Haydonites don't exist as a threat now. The war ended."

Rick stopped his pacing and said, "Captain, you know why we locked these ships and weapons away. The wars were becoming worse and worse. First the Zentraedi and the Rain of Death, then the Robotech Masters came to Earth and as much as Earth tried to be ready, it wasn't ready for the Robotech Masters, let alone the Invid invasion. But it is the wars that I fought out here, against the Invid Regent, that back stabbing traitor T.R. Edwards, the Overlords that the Robotech Masters left behind to keep their people in line and finally, the Haydonites is what led us to lock Robotechnology away. All those lives lost. Gone. I know you would not have returned unless the need was great for humanity, but I hope for you Captain that this time, humanity doesn't fall down into darkness that we almost did."

After a moment of silence John looked at the two then he said, "Well then...Doctor, I think I'll go with you to look at the Protoculture Matrix. Admiral, I need to think about some things but I'm leaning towards letting the officers know about your existence but in the mean time we'll keep things as is for now. We're going to need your advice and wisdom with regards to fighting with Robotech ships and mecha and those tactics that will benefit from your knowledge. I'll let you know when I've made my decision."

The hologram of Rick Hunter nodded and said, "I understand and it's entirely fine. Well then, you know where to find me", he smiled as he faded away and the holographic projectors turned off.

John went and accessed the FoldCom and sent the copy of the Factory's inventory back to EarthForce HQ. He would contact them again later and give a full report as scheduled but he felt that they should receive the information right away.

Once he was done, John said, "Let's go see the Protoculture Matrix, Doctor."

Doctor Lang stood up and the two walked out of the Factory Control Center and boarded the awaiting hover car that sped off to its destination.

EarthDome

Remilia Wainwright's office

The Deputy Secretary of State that had stayed behind so that her superior, David Sheridan could go to Pegasus and her partner, Caius Lurco could go plead humanity's cause to the League of Non-Aligned Worlds found herself with very little to do other than making sure that nothing bad would happen while David was away. She was worried for both men, but more so for Caius since his journey was far riskier.

She had received constant updates from Caius as they made the journey to the League of Non-Aligned Worlds meeting place. They had arrived safely and Caius had reported in that he was awaiting the League's response many hours ago and she was expecting news from her partner very soon with good news that the League was going to help them.

She also received updates from her boss David Sheridan as the Pegasus Expedition would send daily updates using the FoldCom technology to give those updates to the leaders at EarthForce HQ. According to David, he was doing a lot of waiting around. They expected that the Sentinels Alliance would be making contact soon so he was familiarizing himself with the different races that were part of that organization.

Then there was the biggest fact that there were humans, Zentraedi, and Tirolians that had stayed behind in Pegasus to start over in the Pegasus Galaxy. There was a lot of hope that the Pegasus Expedition could find and make contact with their brothers and sisters once more.

There was a chime on her computer letting her know that a message had arrived. She quickly switched over to see what it was and she saw that it was a message from Caius Lurco. She accessed it at once and he appeared on the screen.

The man looked deflated and exhausted but his eyes were filled with fire and determination. He took a few more seconds visibly taking calming breaths then began talking, "Remilia, Caius here. I wish I had good news for Earth but apparently the League has listened to what I had to say and according to Ambassador Gahutyhr of the Brakiri while my words were very passionate and that I had made a compelling call to arms, they have overwhelmingly rejected our call for help", Caius snorted and barked a sarcastic laugh then continued, "and they offer their thoughts and prayers through this time of crisis."

Remilia paused the video and blinked and her tired brain just processed what she just heard. Thoughts and prayers? She must have misheard what Caius said. She rewound the last few seconds and watched the video again and let the video continue playing.

Caius looked furious now. He picked up a drink and she saw him take a drink from it. "The League gives us their fucking thoughts and fucking prayers, Remilia. That's it. I called them out for it, you'll probably most likely be receiving some diplomatic protests over my response to their response but I'm sorry...I went to war on the League's behalf fifteen years ago to see to it that we would help them in their war against the Dilgar and this is how they repay us. What can I say? I was furious and I let them have it with both barrels."

Caius sighed, took another drink and resumed, "I just know that Humans First and their allies are going to shove this in our faces once they learn about this. What can we say Remelia, they were right. They were right that the League would do exactly this when we asked them for help and Humans First and parties like theirs are going to use this against us for years. The League won't even close their borders to Minbari trade or impose sanctions against the Minbari! As for allowing any of our refugees passage through their space, we can forget that too. Ungrateful bastards."

Caius moved and she could see him pour what had to be a very expensive bottle of whiskey into the glass and taking another drink. Caius pointed at the camera and snarled, "Mark my words, when we get through this...when we defeat the Minbari, we give the League nothing...I mean it! Give them nothing and when something terrible happens to the League and they ask us for help, we need to tell them to piss off...no, wait! We should tell them that they have our thoughts and prayers in this dark time." Caius gave an evil chuckle. "That would serve them right, stick those thoughts and prayers right back down their throats."

Caius took a deep breath and calmed down slightly. "On the way out, just before I boarded the shuttle back to the Donegal, the Drazi Ambassador gave me a bone. Some of their people are willing to give us some help by letting our refugees pass through their space. I've attached the Ambassador's message with the names and coordinates of Drazi willing to help and the routes that refugees can travel through if they need to escape through Drazi space. He told me that he voted for helping us, but of course he was only one Ambassador. Some of their military will help our refugees as well andI expect that if we can start showing that we can beat the Minbari in battle with our Robotech ships, they'll be first to officially join with us. Then maybe some of the other League members might get off their asses and start telling the Minbari to go pound sand and start taking their obligations seriously."

"My written report is also attached as well, just so I'm clear that you're not just getting my rant." Caius looked straight into the camera and said, "I mean what I say, when the League begs us to help them again some time in the future, we need to tell the League in small words so they understand that they can go to hell. Tell them that they have our thoughts and prayers, Remilia. I sure hope I'm still around when that happens and I get to say just that! They were so damn ungrateful...pompous…arrogant…I'm sure you get the idea."

Caius took another drink of his beverage then finished, "Well, that's all I have to say. The Donegal is about to enter the jump gate and we're going to be taking the long way home. Pray for us that we make it home safely."

The video stopped and she saw the attachments that had been included in the message. Remilia quickly downloaded both attachments and looked at Caius's written report first which pretty much was a longer, wordier without any profanity recap of what happened with regards to Caius's plea on Earth's behalf to the League. The second was the information that the Drazi Ambassador had given Caius and she saved that as well.

After reigning in her own temper at the League's ineffectual response, she needed to contact the President and inform her of the League's decision. She knew that President Levy was not going to be happy.

President Levy's office

Elizabeth Levy looked at Remilia Wainwright and Luis Santiago with an expression of shock that transitioned to anger then to rage and she slammed her closed fist onto her desk. Luis looked shocked and saddened over the news that Remilia had just delivered.

Elizabeth exclaimed, "Ungrateful bastards! How can the League reject us and turn us down like this!?"

Luis tried to calm his superior down. "Elizabeth, I realize you're upset…"

She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture and snarled, "I'm more than upset, I'm pissed." She let out a sigh to calm down and said, "This is not just terrible news, with the Humans First scandal starting to break, this will give them and their followers ammunition for them to jump on so they can try and twist the narrative. I will not allow this. Do not let them try and do this. Hammer the story that the traitors within Humans First must be found and punished to the full extent of the law."

Raids and arrests against the more well known militant wings of Humans First had begun not just worldwide, but across the colonies as well. Both civilian law enforcement and military law enforcement had kept close eyes on suspected militant members and with the traitorous actions of two men linked to Humans First, the Hammer was falling on the organization and the political finger pointing and public relations war was already starting to be waged in the media.

Luis reassured President Levy by saying, "We'll see to it that they don't do that Madam President. I'll be sure to speak to Attorney General Walters, Director Alexas, and to Secretary Sterling to stress to both civilian law enforcement and the military's law enforcement branches that the traitors are to be found, arrested, and punished harshly."

Remilia said, "We do have some good news ma'am. The Drazi Ambassador gave Deputy Secretary Lurco a data crystal with pathways that refugees can use to escape through their space. It also included names of Drazi that are willing to help by offering shelter and places to hide."

Nodding, President Levy asked, "Yes, that's good but what's this about them willing to offer to fight?"

Remilia replied, "There are specifically named Drazi that are willing to protect our refugees with their warships in the meantime should our people flee into their space. Once we prove we can defeat them, their government will officially declare war against the Minbari and fight with us side by side."

With a smile President Levy said, "That is some good news. We might have to share some technologies with the Drazi if they do end up helping us."

"Definitely something to consider but we will have to get to that point first.", Luis pointed out.

President Levy nodded and said, "Yes, but when the Pegasus Expedition returns, I expect that we'll get to that point very soon."

President Levy's expression was fierce as she said, "When this is over, we'll be sure to tell the League that we remember our friends and we also remember those that stood by and did nothing. Start looking at what goods we can increase tariffs on from League worlds. We'll not do anything just yet...but soon enough we'll send them an economic message that they won't forget either."

Luis cautioned, "Elizabeth, we need to be careful…"

"I said, soon enough which means not right now. But start making a list of those goods from those that rejected our plea for aid who we helped so long ago that we can increase tariffs on. Talk to Commerce and tell them that this can wait until after the tide of the war has turned."

Luis nodded, "Yes ma'am."

Secretary Millia Sterling's Office

The Secretary was busy when her video phone rang. She saw that it was General Lefcourt so she answered the call and his face appeared on her monitor.

"General, what is it?

"Madam Secretary, I just wanted to let you know that we received a report from Captain Sheridan that they've got a full inventory of everything and have transmitted that inventory to us. But the main reason for my call is that we believe that Sestun will be the next target and that they will be hit in the next few days. I was wondering if I could get your approval to take one of the trainee squadrons off of Miriya's hands and deploy them to Sestun to give our fleet the eyes they need."

Millia said, "That is some good news from the Pegasus Expedition. Send me a copy of the inventory please, I'd like to know what we'll be working with. Now as for the pilots training on the Veritechs, they've only just started flight training on actual Veritechs within the last few days. I'll need to speak with Admiral Sterling. If she says they're not ready, then they're not ready. I'll check in with her and find out their progress."

"That's fine ma'am. I just want to give us a win, especially after Deneb but if the pilots are not ready we'll just have to wait.", General Lefcourt said.

"I see your point, but these Veritechs are priceless right now, I don't want us to lose the only advantage we have because we rushed things. I'll call you once I find out."

"Thank you ma'am."

The call ended and Millia opened her email and sent a message to Miriya to have her call her as soon as possible.

Miriya contacted Secretary Millia Sterling as soon she was able to after receiving the message to contact the Secretary of Defense right away. It had taken a couple of hours due to the fact that she had been busy training the group in flying real Veritechs, not simulators. "Madam Secretary, I'm sorry it took me so long to contact you but I was busy with flight training my trainees. What is it you need?", Miriya asked.

Looking at Miriya she said, "I'll get right to the point, we're confident that the Minbari are going to attack Sestun soon. Do you have enough pilots that can fly a Veritech and do the job of acting as our Cat's Eyes for our warships? I know this is soon, most likely sooner than you want but I want an honest answer. Are any of your pilots ready? If you say they aren't, then they are not ready. I'm not throwing what we have away."

Miriya was quiet for a few seconds then said, "Well I suppose I can pull enough pilots to form two flights of five Veritechs, not including myself. But, I'd have to go with them."

Millia said, "So, eleven Veritechs then. Are you sure?"

Nodding her head she said, "Yes, I'm sure. I can pull ten men and women with me and bring a flight of Alphas and Betas with us to Sestun, but if you say that attack is due soon we'd have to leave now. What do we have defending Sestun?"

Millia replied, "The 44th fleet led by General Sam Carter. It's comprised of fifteen Novas, thirty five Hyperions, and fifty Olympus Corvettes."

Miriya hummed, "That will have to do I suppose unless you're planning on sending some extra ships with my squadron.

Millia said, "I think I can scramble some up. I'll send in another ten Novas and twenty Hyperions with you."

Miriya said, "That's fine. Send me the orders of which ship is our ride, I'll make sure we don't miss the bus."

Nodding her head Millia said, "Will do. Good luck Admiral."

The call was ended and Miriya started looking over her notes to see who she would bring with her on this mission.

The Pegasus Galaxy

The Robotech Factory

Doctor Lang and Captain Sheridan traveled through the Robotech Factory to reach the part of the massive facility where the Protoculture Matrix had been moved to. The matrix had been moved over to one of the outer satellite pods. Given the size of the massive facility, it took them over ten minutes to reach the pod where the Matrix was contained.

The hover car finally stopped at a door and John made note that they were at the bottom of the massive structure. Doctor Lang went to the door and it opened for him and he stepped through just before John did and when John followed Doctor Lang his jaw fell to the floor and looking at the scientist/historian, he could see that Doctor Lang was equally surprised.

The Protoculture Matrix was in the center of the massive room that was so large, that it became clear to John that this used to be a former bay that used to store mecha and ammunition but there was no mecha or ammunition stored here now.

Surrounding the Protoculture Matrix was a massive nursery of Flowers of Life. Looking around the massive room there were Flowers of Life everywhere, plants growing and being ended to not just on the ground where they could see, but high up into the top of the massive room on floating flower beds. They could see some flowers looked as if they'd been newly planted while others John and Doctor Lang watched as they were being harvested automatically by Robotech gardeners. They watched as they could see Flowers being harvested, processed, distilled and refined to the final product of Protoculture and then they saw the fully loaded storage cells of Protoculture being automatically moved out of the area and being sent somewhere else within the massive complex.

John looked at Doctor Lang and said, "I thought that they turned everything off before the left. Did someone forget to turn out the lights on this thing?"

Doctor Lang looked on in shock and surprise. "I'm as mystified as you are Captain. My great great grandfather did not leave anything in his notes saying he did anything like this."

Doctor Lang approached the Protoculture Matrix and looked at it in wonder. When he got within a couple feet of it, a hologram appeared from a projector that was atop the Protoculture Matrix. The image was that of an older man that looked similar to the Doctor and John realized that the two of them were looking at a hologram of Doctor Emil Lang. The holographic figure was wearing a lab coat over his clothes. The glasses he used to wear were gone but you could see the odd stars in his eyes after having been exposed to the Flower of Life as a younger man.

The hologram began to speak. "Greetings, I hope that I am speaking to one of my descendants as I have programmed this message to appear if the machine scans and detects someone from my family line."

John asked, "We were scanned?"

Doctor Lang shrugged.

The hologram continued, "I am Doctor Emil Lang and well I have no idea how long I have been deceased, I can imagine that it has been hundreds of years. You have no doubt come a long way as part of a mission to retrieve the Robotech Factory and the ships and weapons that we locked away. It is one thing to possess the ships and weapons, but they are nothing without the power that fuels them: Protoculture."

"Time and resources were not as available, I could not download myself into an AI as it was decided that the our descendants would need to know more about the practical uses of Robotechnology, the ships, mecha, and fighting tactics, so I was not able to make an AI of myself. However, I have programmed a very robust Virtual Assistant that will have as much data as I have accumulated over the many years that will assist you and others with you in the operation of this Protoculture Matrix as well as the care, raising, and handling of the Flowers of Life. The knowledge contained is priceless."

The hologram continued, "Now, my dear descendant, I'm going to reveal the secret that I have kept and left for humanity. First, aboard the SDF-3 is a seed kernel for the creation and growth of a new Robotech Factory. You can find it hidden in Admiral Hunter's ready room."

Both John and Doctor Lang's eyes were wide with surprise.

Emil Lang's hologram kept talking, "In addition to leaving behind the means to create and build a new Robotech Factory, I also leave behind the instructions of how to create and build a new Protoculture Matrix. These are my gifts to you my descendant and to humanity itself. Use them wisely."

The hologram turned off.

Wondering if the hologram AI of Rick Hunter would know anything, John also wondered if the AI could appear anywhere within the Factory.

John looked up to the ceiling and called out, "Admiral Hunter, can you come out please?"

The holographic projector on one of the walls activated and the hologram of Rick Hunter appeared once more. "Yes, Captain Sheridan, how can I help?"

John asked, "What's going on that the Protoculture Matrix was still powered on and making Protoculture?"

The hologram looked around the room and finally Rick replied, "Well, it would seem that someone forgot to turn out the lights and left this running."

"But why?", asked John.

With a shrug of the shoulders Rick replied, "I'm afraid I don't have that information Captain, I was told to make sure that nothing happened to the Matrix or the Flowers."

John asked, "Then if the Matrix is still making Protoculture, where is it putting the Protoculture after its done making it?"

As John was asking questions, Doctor Lang had moved up to the Protoculture Matrix and was examining the machine carefully.

The hologram of Admiral Hunter replied, "Once the Protoculture is refined, it is taken to be stored over at another storage bay. The matrix has refined enough Protoculture for all of the ships and mecha aboard the Factory as well as to resupply the Factory itself once."

John's expression was shocked as he heard that but it filled him with hope. The Matrix was working, they had a supply of Protoculture that could resupply all the warships currently in storage aboard the Factory. John had an idea and was thinking about getting the warships ready but first he'd talk with his Captains about it so they could decide which warships to get ready.

"Thank you Admiral. Doctor Lang, I'm going to return to my office and start preparing my report to EarthForce HQ. Did you want to stay here for a bit?"

Nodding his head the Doctor replied, "Yes, I'm going to stay here and study the Matrix for a bit. I'll return to the Control Center later."

John started walking away saying, "Very well Doctor, I'll see you soon. Thank you Admiral, I'll see you soon as well."

The hologram of Rick Hunter replied, "Yes, you will.", and faded away.

Doctor Lang continued to look at the Protoculture Matrix and began investigating. He could see the panels that would allow him to access the VI if he had questions and now he had questions.

EAS Donegal

In Hyperspace Transit

The Hyperion cruiser EAS Donegal was in hyperspace trying to return to Earth immediately after Ambassador Caius Lurco had been unable to secure assistance once more from the League of Non-Aligned Worlds.

The Ambassador was in his quarters, having transmitted his report directly to Earth on Gold Channel One just before they entered hyperspace. He just knew that his report was going to be a hot topic of discussion among the Senators, especially those that were opposed to helping the League fifteen years ago. That group were predominantly from the Humans First faction and they were going to gloat and use this setback to further their agenda and he was extremely upset over this.

The positive thing he could point at in his report was that the Drazi ambassador approached him with a little bit of good news as he was about to board his shuttle.

Flashback Begins

Caius Lurco and his assistant Corina were about to go to their shuttle when the Drazi ambassador approached the two of them from one of the small meeting rooms near the boarding gates. He had ordered Corina to board ahead of him but she apparently decided that her place was with him and that they would board the shuttle and return to the Donegal together.

"Ambassador, may I have a word please?", the Drazi Ambassador asked.

Anger still simmering, he was tempted to blow the Drazi Ambassador off but the diplomat in him won over as he stepped into the small room that the Drazi had emerged from. Corina waited outside the room to ensure that no one approached the meeting room.

Keeping his senses sharp he was not afraid of an attack and he didn't flinch when the Drazi pulled out a small device which he activated and set it on the small circular table in front of them.

"An anti-eavesdropping device only. To protect us from telepathic and technological ears.", The Drazi said and then he continued, "Ambassador, while my government is bound by the official vote, I did vote in favor of siding with Earth. Given the official position that they cannot render aid or assistance, unofficially, there are many within my government that are willing to assist. I am one such person, and I am entrusting you with this", the Drazi pulled out a data crystal and slid it over to Caius's side of the table. "the names and locations of those who are willing to give safe harbor and passage through our space for any of your people that are fleeing for safety. Also, you will find names of those in the military that are still willing to fight. When the time comes, once your people have shown that the Minbari can be beaten, these Drazi will fight with Earth and our government will change their mind and fight the Minbari with you as you fought for us. I give you my word."

The Drazi held out his hand and Caius took the hand and the two shook hands. The alien ambassador said, "I was a child when the Dilgar attacked, I remember when your people saved mine. I'm ashamed that the Minbari have threatened my people with annihilation, I believe that we should stand up but too many are afraid and opposed those of us who would join you. I will do my best to fight for your people's behalf."

Blinking in surprise and to hold back some tears that were forming, Caius managed to choke out the words, "Thank you. I will see to it my government receives your message Ambassador. I have to go now, we have a long journey ahead."

Hand shaking done, the Drazi said, "I wish you a safe journey Ambassador. May you arrive back to your world safely and without incident."

Caius left the small room with his assistant Corina and the two boarded their shuttle and docked with their warship that would take them back home.

End Flashback

There wasn't much to do in a ship traveling through Hyperspace. While it shortened travel times, there was still that long period of boredom as the ship moved through hyperspace to reach its destination. Given the fact that Minbari did not recognize humanity's diplomatic flags the Captain was wisely taking a longer less traveled route to minimize the chances of encountering any Minbari as they made the trip home.

The sensor operator manning his station called out, "Contact! Sensors detecting possible warship at extreme range bearing 110 degrees!"

Everyone grew tense.

Captain Ed Harris called out, "Is that conformed?"

Sensors replied, "Aye sir, possible Minbari ship. One of the smaller ones."

Captain Harris called out, "Helm turn us away from him, lets hope we can lose him in some of the clutter."

Helm replied, "Sir, aye sir."

"Sensors, keep your eyes open, see if we can lose him.", Captain Harris said.

Minbari War Frigate Dragati

The Tinashi class war frigate was moving through hyperspace in search of any human ships that could possibly be traveling through hyperspace routes that were off the normal traveling paths that the majority of races would normally take. So far the Alyt's hunch had not paid off with any human ships and his crew while still stoic were now hoping that the Alyt would order them to more well traveled areas where they would find more possibilities.

The Minbari manning the sensor station signaled that their sensors had found something.

Alyt Saevel stepped closer and said, "Report."

The Minbari assigned to working the sensors reported, "Alyt, sensors have detected a possible human warship at very extreme range. It is possible that we've been detected as well. The ship is moving away from us and trying to hide in the different bands of hyperspace."

Alyt Saeval ordered, "Helm, follow the sensor stations direction and pursue. Sensors, get me a lock on that ship so we can confirm if it is a human warship."

Both Minbari acknowledged the order. "Yes, Alyt."

The ship moved faster through hyperspace like a wolf about to pounce on its prey. Soon, the sensors station called out, "Alyt, I have them! It is one of their cruisers! They are broadcasting that a diplomat is aboard." The sensor officer called out a new heading and bearing for the helm officer to pilot the War Frigate so they could catch up to the humans.

Alyt Saeval scoffed and said, "Diplomats." He scoffed again, "Such a waste, it will be a great pleasure to kill them all. Don't lose it."

"Yes Alyt."

EAS Donegal

Tensions on the bridge of the Donegal had been high for the past hour as the crew were trying to hide as they attempted to escape from the Minbari that they had discovered.

Sensors called out, "Contact, directly behind! Minbari warship, definitely the same one as before. They found us sir."

The tension rose even higher.

Captain Harris said, "Sound general quarters. Stand by to activate jump engines for entry back to normal space." Klaxons sounded and crews jumped and floated across the ship to man their battle stations.

The executive officer was receiving ship wide reports as each section of the ship's battle stations were manned and reported ready. Upon getting the last confirmation, Jennifer Tinsdale said, "All battle stations report manned and ready, pilots have manned their Starfuries."

"Very well. Communications, stand by to transmit our last transmission back to EarthForce. Attention to all stations, stand by to activate Cole Protocol."

The crew had managed to record last messages home as they were running and hiding and they would be transmitted shortly along with the ships log and records back to Earth. The Cole Protocol was taken right out of a video game from the early twenty first century where the people of Earth were fighting a war against an alien race that was killing them wholesale. All the ships were ordered to destroy anything and everything that could lead to Earth's location.

"Sir, Minbari vessel is closing.", called out the sensors officer.

"Communications, send final messages and logs.", Captain Harris ordered.

"Aye sir, transmitting in three, two, one….and it's done.", the communication officer reported.

Captain Harris said, "Very well. Once we're in normal space, activate the Cole Protocol. Guns stand by to fire on my command."

"Aye sir."

The executive officer said, "Jump engines ready sir."

"Very well, jump."

The ship's jump engines began powering up and seconds later a point in hyperspace opened up into a jump vortex, opening wide enough for the ship to move through and the ship accelerated forward and through the jump vortex and the Donegal emerged from hyperspace and into normal space.

Captain Harris ordered, "All ahead flank, sensors keep your eyes peeled for their jump point. Activate Cole Protocols."

"Cole Protocols activated sir.", the executive officer declared. Various computers went down in a shower of sparks as their systems were fried to prevent any chance at data recovery. The Donegal streaked ahead as fast as she could through normal space, heading for an asteroid field.

Moments later they could see a jump point form and a Minbari ship emerged at an off angle but still behind the fleeing Hyperion class cruiser.

"Sir, it's confirmed, it's one of the smaller ones.", the tactical officer said.

Captain Harris commented, "We'll see if plan A works. Stand by to launch Starfuries. Have Engineering ready, helm stand by on my order."

Everyone acknowledged the orders.

The Hyperion class cruiser was traveling as fast as it could possibly go on its sub light engines.

The Tinashi began to increase speed and it was soon clear that the Tinashi would catch up to the fleeing human warship in a matter of time.

Captain Harris called out, "Range?"

"We'll be in their firing range in five minutes at present course and speed."

The Deputy Secretary of State Caius Lurco floated into the Bridge.

"Mister Lurco, you should be somewhere else, sir.", the Captain stated.

With a grunt and snort, Caius Lurco said, "If I'm to die this day, I want to see my killers. Have you tried to tell them that this is a diplomatic vessel?"

With a scoff of his own Captain Harris replied, "They can see our beacon, it's using a standard League identifier informing anyone with a proper scanner that this is an ambassador's vessel."

Caius nodded his head and said, "Point. So, what's the plan?"

Captain Harris said, "Engineering, get me more speed, get us to the asteroid field."

"Trying sir, doing my best." the Engineer replied.

The ship began to move forward slightly more faster as the engineer found another way to pull out more speed.

Captain Harris glanced to Caius and said, "My plan? My plan's to piss him off to the point he gets impatient and makes a mistake. But failing that, we're gonna lull him into thinking we're not going to fight. Depends if we're going to make it to the asteroid field or not. Give me an update, is he gaining?"

The officer manning the ship's sensors said, "We pulled away for a bit but looks like he turned up the speed on his own ship."

Captain Harris asked, "Can we make it to the asteroid field?"

The officer began checking his instruments and started doing calculations. "It'll be close sir, we'll either make it or just fall short."

The tensions were extremely high, the warship was streaking as fast as the engineering crew could pull whatever power they could to make it go faster than the Minbari but it was a slowly losing battle. Captain Harris checked the plot and came to the realization that they were not going to make it.

"All hands, this is the Captain. We gave it a good try but we're not going to make it to the asteroid field so this is it. I want you to know that I'm proud of each one of you and that it has been an honor to be your Captain."

After a moment's pause he ordered, "Launch Starfuries.'

The ship shook as the fighters were launched from the cruiser and they took up station around the warship. The nimble X shaped craft had suffered from problems against the Minbari fighters at the beginning but thanks to Admiral Miriya Sterling she'd developed tactics for fighting against the Niall's and some of the capital ships. The pilots aboard were all veterans and had taken part in the advanced training that Miriya had provided.

"Alright, here we go. Helm, bring us about and let's bring the Donegal right down his throat. Guns, you know what to do."

The warship turned hard and with the expert piloting of his helmsman the warship had accomplished a hard turn and was now speeding towards the Minbari warship at faster than flank speed. The Starfuries had done their own one hundred and eighty degree rotation and streaked towards the Minbari warship, passing the Donegal.

"Godspeed and good luck gentlemen.", Captain Harris said.

The Starfuries streaked ahead of the Donegal, this was their final charge. Captain Harris watched the screen as the Starfuries split into pairs and started their attack run.

Captain Harris quietly said, "Into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell…" Then he ordered loudly, "Let's give the Minbari something more to think about, launch missiles and keep firing them until we run out of ammo! ECM on maximum power!"

"Aye sir! Missiles are within range, launching missiles now! We'll be in energy weapon range in forty five seconds!", the tactical officer said.

The Electronic Warfare officer called out, "ECM is on max power sir!"

Everyone knew that they were already in Minbari weapon range but the Minbari had not opened fire on them yet. Clearly an intimidation tactic. Missiles began launching out of the Donegal's missile launchers and started to streak towards the general direction of the Minbari warship. The Starfuries began launching their own missiles to add to the swarm and hopefully cause the Minbari to be overwhelmed with having to focus on point defense.

The Minbari warship began to use its weapons to shoot down missiles that were streaking towards the warship that were relatively close and might have scored a lucky hit. That was when the Starfuries charged in after firing their missiles and started firing their cannons in a desperate attempt to do some damage to the Minbari warship and the Minbari just started shooting the Starfuries out of the stars with a little challenge. A couple pilots scored minor hits thanks to the training that Miriya had given them but in the end, it was not enough.

Aboard the Donegal they finally came into firing range with their own weapons and Captain Harris gave the order to start firing and the Donegal leaped forward as the ship's engineer put every final last bit of power into her engines. Captain Harris and the crew watched as the Minbari seemed to toy with them by holding back their fire as his ship could not score a hit at range. But, this was it, the Donegal's final charge and Captain Harris would score a hit on this Minbari and make them remember this day.

EarthDome

Geneva, Switzerland

Remilia Wainwright's office

Remilia was back in her office doing work when her video phone rang. She answered it when she saw it was from General Fontaine.

She looked at the screen and saw his grim expression and she just knew he had bad news. He began, "Deputy Secretary, I wish had had good news but I'm sad to report that the Donegal ran into a Minbari warship. They transmitted their final messages to EarthForce HQ that included their last messages to loved ones. I'm sorry ma'am, the Donegal was lost with all hands. I know you and Deputy Secretary Lurco were close. You have my sympathies."

Remilia immediately felt the tears come to her eyes. She nodded her head and thanked the General. "Thank you for calling to tell me personally."

With a solemn expression General Fontaine said, "You're welcome. We're going over the messages to make sure that nothing top secret is included in the message. But, you can expect a message from the Deputy Secretary shortly. Just thought you should know.'

Wiping the tears from her face she nodded her head in thanks. "Thank you. I...I'll look forward to seeing him one last time."

With his duty done the General ended the call. Remilia used her video phone to contact the President so she could inform her personally.

Dark Side of the Moon

EarthForce Lunar Installation

The conference room was filled with ten men and women sitting and waiting for Admiral Sterling. All of them were training to fly Veritechs and had reported to the small conference room after they had each received an individual email to report to this room by Admiral Sterling's order and to speak of it to no one. The assembled pilots wondered what was going on and traded gossip with each other when the door slid open and Admiral Miriya Sterling walked in.

"Attention on deck!", a Lieutenant cried out and everyone rose to attention.

Miriya walked to the head of the conference table saying, "As you were."

The group of pilots sat back down in the conference room chairs and waited silently.

Miriya looked at everyone in the room and began, "All of you have been summoned to this room because EarthForce HQ Command has a mission for us. I have chosen each of you because you are further ahead out of everyone else that is learning to fly a Veritech. To put it simply, EarthForce Command has learned that the Minbari are due to attack Sestun very soon. They want to use the Veritechs as Cats Eyes for our warships at this battle to buy us more time and I've chosen each of you to fly with me but this is a volunteer mission. If you feel that you're not ready, you can walk right out this room and continue your training with no fear of any repercussions. The choice is yours."

Miriya waited and everyone looked around at each other to see if anyone would stand up and walk out. After a minute no one had moved.

Miriya grinned at the men and women. "I knew I was making the right choices. But, now I need to hear it from all of you. So I'm going to ask you each a question."

She looked at a pilot, a human male that was the Commander of Skull Squadron. Miriya said, "Commander Jeffery Sinclair, are you ready?"

Looking directly at Admiral Sterling, Commander Sinclair said, "Yes ma'am, I'm ready.

Miriya looked to another pilot, a very familiar pilot, then asked, "Lieutenant Mylene Sterling, are you ready?"

The young woman gave a feral smile. "Yes ma'am."

Miriya went down the line, asking each pilot if they were ready and everyone answered that they were and now she was asking the final pilot, a young woman recently promoted to Lieutenant after earning her Starfury wings and had three Minbari kills to her name.

Miriya looked at her final pilot and asked, "Lieutenant Susan Ivonova, are you ready?"

The young lieutenant nodded her head and replied with conviction, "Yes, ma'am. I'm ready."

Miriya looked around the room. "Alright, go to your rooms and grab your gear and report to the flight line in ten minutes! Speak of what you are doing to no one! Now, move out!"

Everyone rose and hustled out of the conference room and Miriya returned to her office so she could finish assigning what needed to be done to her assistant trainers. She was mostly prepared for this so it was just mainly making sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Once she was sure, she sent the orders off to her subordinates and grabbed her own flight gear and suited up. Grabbing her personal belongings that she would need while away, she left her office.

Admiral Miriya Sterling walked onto the flight line to see the assembled pilots all suited up and ready to fly. Flight crews had the Veritechs that would be going on this mission prepped and ready for flight. A few flight crew personnel would be hitching rides within the Beta fighters so that they could do the final preparations when it came time for the battle.

Miriya said, "Alright, this is it. Get in your Veritechs and get ready for take off, I'll tell you where we're going next. Let's move people!"

Everyone hustled to their assigned Veritech. The flight would consist of six Alpha Veritechs and five Beta Fighter/Bombers. All the pilots climbed into their cockpits and powered up the old fighters which amazed the young men and women that these old war machines could still fly and handle so amazingly well.

Admiral Miriya received clearance for her flight of Veritechs to take off and soon the small squadron of Veritechs had launched out of the facility and were on their way. The flight was brief and Admiral Sterling directed then to a waiting Nova Class Dreadnought named EAS Gloval. Miriya gave a tiny smile at the name.

Upon approaching the warship the ship's traffic control guided each of Veritechs to land aboard the warship. Miriya was the last one to land her Veritech and she brought in her custom red painted VF-6 Alpha Veritech carefully into the landing bay. Once the Veritechs were all aboard the Nova moved to join the rest of the fleet that was waiting for it at the Io jump gate and the fleet of reinforcements of five Nova Dreadnoughts and ten Hyperion cruisers that Defense Secretary Sterling had scrambled for Sestun was on the way. Hopefully, they would arrive in time.

Pegasus Galaxy

The Robotech Factory

John and the other Captains had just gathered in one of the conference rooms in the Robotech Factory when Doctor Lang called them.

Doctor Lang's holographic self had appeared and spoke, "Captain Sheridan? We just detected a small force of ships arriving in the system using a different method of FTL travel. The Factory's automated defenses are coming online."

"We're on our way Doctor." John said as he and everyone else stood up.

Quickly the group rushed down the corridor to the Factory Control Center and rushed inside. John called out, "Status report please."

Doctor Lang was sitting at the top tier of the control center in front of a bank of computers. He adjusted his glasses and replied, "Sensors detected seven warships emerge out of FTL travel and they are on an intercept course for the Factory."

At that moment David Sheridan entered the room along with one of the Senior Diplomats, a half Zentraedi/half Tirolian woman with very light blue skin and black hair named Sha're

David asked, "Visitors?"

John said, "Yes, we don't know who yet. Doctor, scan them see if we can get a reading on who they are."

The Doctor used the chair he was on to slide across the floor to another terminal and pressed some buttons. "Scanning.", he said.

There was a pause then he said, "The Factory recognizes the ships as being four cruiser class, three destroyer class and is identifying them as Possible Sentinel Alliance warships."

David asked, "Sentinel Alliance? How sure is it?"

Before he could get an answer the Voice of the Factory spoke, "Incoming warships have powered up their weapons. Factory's Defensive Barrier is now online at full power. Weapons are charged to full power."

Doctor Lang said, "The ships have stopped their approach. Looks like they detected the Factory's defenses are online and operational. Sorry Mister Secretary, the computers are giving a sixty to seventy percent possibility that these are Sentinel Alliance warships based on scanning data over the decades that warships have come to the system."

John ordered, "Put this on visual, let's see what we're looking at."

A screen seemed to appear out thin air and expanded to display the warships floating in space in a spread formation. Nothing was happening until two of the smaller warships turned and started heading to the mothball yard.

John ordered, "Warn them off."

The Voice of the Factory replied, "Understood."

The mothball yard's static defenses fired a series of beams across the bows of the approaching warships from four different particle beam turrets forcing the warships to heave to and reverse their directions. Additionally, the Robotech Factory unleashed a series of warning shots of its own against the same ships to show that they were bracketed and targeted.

John quietly said, "Not what I had in mind but good enough I suppose." Then in a louder voice he said, "Open a channel to them."

Lisa Livsey the Communications officer was sitting at the communication station and said, "Channel open sir."

John nodded his thanks, looked into the holographic projector that was transmitting his image to the unknown spacecraft and began to speak, "Attention unknown warships, I am Captain John Sheridan of EarthForce. This station and the mothball storage facility are property of the People of Earth. We have returned to reclaim what is ours as per the Sentinels Treaty by invoking the Special Clause. Identify yourselves and state your purpose."

A few seconds later, a holographic image appeared floating in the air at the front of the room of what appeared to be a bipedal lupine figure wearing some kind of breathing apparatus.

The figure didn't waste any time as he replied to John's demand. "I am Fleet Captain Grogan of the Sentinels Alliance, you are to surrender the Robotech Factory and everything within it along with the storage yard. Now, lower your defenses and prepare to be boarded!"